In the world of spices, you have probably encountered the spice cardamom. Cardamom is a popular spice used in Indian, Swedish, and Arabic cuisines. It’s made from the seed pods that come from the ginger family. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into this particular spice and what makes it a great addition to your growing spice rack.
Types of Cardamom
There are two types of cardamom—black and green. The green cardamom, also referred to as true cardamom, is the most common variety you will see when you go to the grocery. It is commonly used for sweet and savory dishes due to its flavor.
On the other hand, the black cardamom carries a smoky element, which is why it is mainly used for savory dishes.
Often less talked about is the white cardamom, which is the bleached version of green cardamom. This is commonly found in tropical areas and carries less flavor.
The Taste
Ever wondered how this spice tastes? The taste depends on whether it's green or black cardamom. Green cardamom has a citrus flavor that can be sweet and spicy, while black cardamom has a smoky taste. You will also notice a hint of mint, which is why it’s commonly used in savory dishes.
The white cardamom has a milder flavor, which is why it is not widely used for dishes.
The Health Benefits
An important question when it comes to spices is, how can it contribute to your nutrition? Aside from the flavor it brings, you always want to get more out of it. The good news is, cardamom has health benefits, thanks to its medicinal properties.
In fact, the effects of cardamom have been through several studies. For one, it’s shown to reduce blood pressure and aid in weight loss possibly. Another thing is that cardamom is said to have the ability to fight bad breath. In fact, some cultures would eat the spice to fight against cavities. Even the popular Wrigley’s gum has cardamom as one of its ingredients.
Cook with Cardamom
In households, powdered cardamom is often used because it’s easier to add them to dishes. However, if you want to get more flavor out of it, you might want to consider using the pods by toasting them for a few minutes. Let it cool for a minute and remove the seeds from the pods. Grind them and add them to your dishes.
Furthermore, you can use cardamom, specifically the green one, for your hot drinks like coffee and tea. There are also a lot of recipes out there wherein you can use cardamom. You will be surprised to know that one of the countries that use the most Cardamom is Sweden, specifically on their baked goods! This is because cardamom blends well with other baking ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and many more.
Get Your Cardamom Today
Now that you know about cardamom, try to use it in one of your dishes. If you don’t know which recipe to use it for, you can try some recipes online. It’s also a good idea to try some baked goods with cardamom!
Are you looking for some delicious baked goods with cardamom? Try traditional Norwegian treats here at Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri in Centennial, CO. We are a bakery that specializes in Norwegian pastries. Shop now!